Midwifery Today, Issue 104, Winter 2012Theme: Doulas

The theme of Midwifery Today Issue 104 is Doulas. Midwifery Today rarely receives as many theme-related articles as it did for this issue on Doulas. Obviously, many people feel strongly about the benefits of having this kind of support during labor and birth. With contributions from Michel Odent, Debra Pascali-Bonaro and author of New Mother Allie Chee, this issue is sure to delight and inspire. Also included within the pages is an educational article by world-renowned herbalist Susun Weed on the benefits of herbs during the childbearing years. And a Midwifery Today issue is always sweeter with the thoughtful reflections of midwife Sister MorningStar; this time she considers the impact those present at the time of birth have on the newborn baby. Enjoy!

Sister shares her reflections on the newborn at birth and the impact that those present have on the imprinting process.

A Doula’s Bag-of-Tricks: What’s in It for You?

Debra Pascali-Bonaro

Author and director of the documentary Orgasmic Birth: The Best Kept Secret, Debra tells a bit of her journey as a doula and what she has come to understand that role to be throughout her years of experience.

Herbs for the Childbearing Year

Susun Weed

As an expert of herbs, Susun Weed educates us in this article on the benefits herbs have on the pregnant and nursing mother—an easy-to-read and highly informative piece that will be a benefit to many.

With information taken from her new book, New Mother, author Allie Chee clearly outlines the benefits of having a birth doula and provides helpful details regarding such things as cost and the selection process.

Freedom for Birth: How a Documentary Filmmaker Became a Birth Warrior

Toni Harman

Producer and director Toni Harman gives us a glimpse into what led up to her creation of the newly released documentary, Freedom for Birth.

Teaching about Birth

Nancy Halseide

Midwifery Today’s managing editor, Nancy Halseide, writes about her philosophy on teaching childbirth classes: “It is my belief that women possess the instinctual knowledge on how to birth, but problems arise when women don’t understand the type of environment they need in order for their intuitive nature to be free to act.”

Confessions of a 57-Year-Old Rookie Doula

Helen Hill

A delightful story about a woman’s experiences as a doula and her journey to midwifery.

Pelvic Trauma in Childbirth

Lynn Schulte-Leech

As a physical therapist, Leech has become an expert at working to heal pelvic trauma in postpartum women. She shares her experience and expertise in this educational article.

A historical account of a truly remarkable woman who took care of the health needs of women in Maine and left behind valuable information in a diary she kept of her dealings with patients.

DONA’s Youngest Certified Doula

Mary Ann Lieser

“Allie Sakowicz, an 18-year-old from Chicago, is noteworthy for being one of the youngest doulas DONA International has ever certified. The 2012 high school graduate has already been present at over 30 births.”

Oregon’s House Bill 3311: Including Doulas in the State Medical Insurance Program

Janna Blair Slack

An Oregon doula highlights the recently passed bill that includes doulas in Oregon’s state medical insurance program and what this means for doulas and their clients.

Sing to Your Belly

Cathy Fink

A two-time Grammy Award-winning children’s musician shares the benefits of singing to babies, both before and after birth.

My Birth Trauma Story

Tanja Kahl

In this very serious and important read, author Tanja Kahl shares her personal story of a birth that left lasting emotional, physical and mental trauma.

“One predominant problem with planned hospital birth stems from the requirement of collusion among hospital workers. Hospitals are living organisms whose drive for self-preservation takes precedence over the goals and needs of the patient.”

From Hospital to Homebirth

Kerry McDonald

A mom shares her story of how she decided homebirth was the best option for her and her baby after having given birth in the hospital with her older children.

Doulas and Midwives Laboring Together

Robin Gray-Reed

Author Robin Gray-Reed reflects on how meaningful her relationships with midwives were when she was a doula and how she now finds the contribution of doulas invaluable in her new role as a midwife.

Problems in American Maternal Health Care

Dan Currin

This article takes a look at the unimpressive maternal health care statistics in the US.

Hypospadias and Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals

Kimberly Palmer

International Midwife

The Midwife and the Doula: A Tale of Two Sisters

Vicki Penwell

Co-founder of Mercy In Action Vicki Penwell tells of how she and her sister work together as a dynamic birth duo.

A Week and a Question

Heide Thorsen

A Norwegian doula tells a feel-good story of the week she asked God a question and how He gave her the answer.

Homebirth in Bulgaria: A Hush-hush Affair

Sevda Licheva

Unfortunately, homebirth in Bulgaria isn’t something that can be talked about freely. This article gives us insights into the current situation there and what women are doing in order to have choice in childbirth.

Doulas in Europe

Elena Piantino

As a doula working in Switzerland, Piantino describes the current doula situation in Europe.

Birth in the Netherlands: The Current Situation

Thea Van Tuyl

Danish birth worker Van Tuyl provides current information about birth in her country.